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BORN
1935
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
Mary Lillis Obituary
Born February 22, 1935, in DuBois, she was the daughter of Robert Eugene and Dora (Vaughn) Pyne.
She married John C. Lillis in 1956. They were married for 58 years and had eight children. He survives.
Mrs. Lillis graduated from Redbank Valley High School. She moved to Erie for college and received a bachelor's of science degree from Mercyhurst College in 1956.
As a teacher, she was loved and respected by students and faculty members from Wilson Middle School, Strong Vincent, Academy and Central High Schools.
Mrs. Lillis taught in the Erie School District until her retirement in 1993. Former students would still stop to talk to her in the neighborhood and come by the house to share stories.
She was well-known for her sharp mind and acerbic wit.
Mrs. Lillis was an active member of St. Peter's Cathedral Parish and volunteered in its food pantry and Women's Auxiliary, and also had many intimate spiritual friends from the St. Patrick's parish.
She enjoyed reading, gardening, playing Bridge, watching Jeopardy, crossword puzzles, traveling and weekend household sales.
In addition to her husband, survivors include four daughters, Katherine Kramer, Marcia Lillis-Tome, Mary Theuerkauf and Nora Dolak and her husband, Tom, all of Erie; two sons, Joseph Lillis and his wife, Sharon, of Bel Air, Md., and Dr. Terence Lillis and his wife, Eileen, of Erie; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, William Pyne and his wife, Judy, of Rimersburg.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons, John Patrick in 1983 and Robert Eugene in 2004; two brothers, Thomas and John Michael Pyne; and a sister, Katherine Pyne.
A Funeral Mass was held a 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at St. Peter Cathedral.
Interment was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Memorials can be sent to the Erie City Mission, 1023 French St., Erie, PA 16501 or to the Priests Retirement Fund, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., P.O. Box 10397, Erie, PA 16514.
Arrangements are at the direction of John J. Quinn Funeral Home in Erie.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Lillis
Benjamin Taylor
April 26, 2018
There are not many people in this world I would like to be instead of me.That is the degree I give to Mary Gene..I met Mary in the summer of 2005 on west 5th street as she was picking trash thrown on to her lawn. we immediately agreed on any subject matter at hand. Fate took a twist in both of our lives and i became HER tenant in December of that year and had the delight of knowing her on many levels until I left the area in December 2012..she knew what was fair and what was not.she spoke had mind clearly and was a wonderfully adept mother and wife but most of all probably one of the best friends I have had in life. I was living in Philadelphia but on a sunny morning at 11 am..i was driving down street road and knew..some one close to me in western pa had died..by the end of the day I learned it to be Mary..she died the day before my birthday..God must of known I needed a special Angel to watch over me..one in an old white sweater with pockets for her Marlboros and a tongue that spoke nothing but the truth and privileged i was to have known her in the living years. Thank you Mary..sorry I'm a bit late .pretty busy down here..Love the memories of those days with YOU...your friend Ben TAYLOR..
Jane Boskovitch
May 4, 2015
Joe and Family - We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy Sexauer-Fisher
May 3, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your mom was a great lady and will be missed by many.
Caroline, Mary, and Dorothy Zielonis
May 2, 2015
Sharing in your sorrow, as we keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Josephine Ciancaglini
May 2, 2015
May the Lord comfort and console all of you. I was in the same 1956 class with he rat Mercyhurst. I loved her laugh and her wit. I remember one class reunion when she hosted all of us at her house in Erie when all the regular festivities were over at the college. May your memories of her always make her present to you.
Cara Fabian
May 1, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rob, Jess and Robbie Hotaling
May 1, 2015
Our Prayers are with your Mom and your family.
Kathy Barron
May 1, 2015
Dear Lillis Family, I wish I could be with you to say goodbye to Mary Gene. I loved her and all of you through her. She was a wonderful woman of faith and this is her golden hour. I know she will be smiling down on you but ready to go with our Lord. God bless you all, I will miss her voice and laugh.
Wendi Hayden
May 1, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May there be comfort in knowing she is at peace. God Bless you all.
Bonnie Martin
April 30, 2015
Marsha and Family
So sorry to hear about Mary.She worked part-time at court house and we had alot of good times there.She was the sweetest person I ever met.I have'nt seen her in years but please know my thoughts and prayers are with the Family.So sorry for your loss.Bonnie Martin
Dee Gante
April 30, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Lillis family. All of us from Grooming by Charlene will miss Mary. She has been a loyal customer and friend for many years. Our thoughts and prayers be with her family & friends
Patti Lillis Petterson
April 30, 2015
My thoughts are with you! Sorry I
I'm not able to be there. Love to all of you!
Barb Triana
April 30, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Jonathan Gante
April 30, 2015
My thoughts are with your family at this time, She was such an interesting and consistent person. I enjoyed her company and will miss seeing her when visiting.
Cathi Lewis
April 30, 2015
Mary and Family, the loss of your mother is one that can never be replaced she was a wonderful person. My family and I truly loved her, Our hearts, and prayers are with you and the family at this time. Cathi,Jaki,Joie.
April 30, 2015
Marcia,
Please accept our condolences.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
MaryBeth and Stephen Santucci
April 30, 2015
Marcia and family, I am so sorry to read about your mom. I remember many conversations we had about her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Martha Koval, Delmont,PA
Alan & Diana Marinelli
April 30, 2015
Dear Mary, Kitty, Norma, Marcia and family. We were so sorry to hear about your Mom. We are praying for everyone and know you are in our thoughts. With deepest condolences. Alan & Diana Marinelli
April 30, 2015
Kitty,Mary and the entire Lillis family ~ You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear mother! May her soul rest in peace ~ Julie "Boetger" Iacobucci
Jan & Jim Wildes
April 30, 2015
Kitty & the Lillis family,
So sorry for your loss.
Always enjoyed your mom.......she was a cool lady.
May she rest in peace.
JoAnn Herbo
April 30, 2015
Kitty and family. Please accept my deepest sympathy. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
April 29, 2015
A great woman of God, who kept her balance under many crosses, and I am sure God will smile when He sees her.. May she rest in peace with her family and her sons. Msgr.b
April 29, 2015
Mary Gene was special to all of us at the Cathedral; she smiled at the good times and could still smile after her heart was broken. A true woman of God, and a wonderful wife to Jack! God give her peace!
Jayne Cutter
April 29, 2015
Mary and Marcia,
My deepest condolences to you both and your family. Hugs!!!!!
Bill & Carol Cole
April 29, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the Lillis family. May the Lord bless, keep and guide you during your time of bereavement.
Karen May
April 29, 2015
You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Loved your Mom. She was very sharp and smart witted. Always made me laugh.
Jeannie & Bob DeLaura
April 29, 2015
My deepest sympathy to Kitty and Lillis family. I have so many fond memories of your mother and enjoyed our quiet talks on her front & back porch. She will be missed greatly. You are all in my prayers.
Jeff & Jan Pyne / Shaffer
April 29, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marylou (Hewitt) Schwartz
April 29, 2015
Terry and family~
The loss of someone dear to us is never easy. I hope all the cherished memories that you have of your Mother brings you some light during this dark time. You're in my thoughts and prayers and I'm here for whatever you need.
Bobbie Jeeter-Riley
April 29, 2015
I really enjoyed having Mrs. Lillis as my home ec teacher for four years. She taught me how to sew and was a great teacher and friend to me. I loved her sharp wit.
To the Lillis Family, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
April 29, 2015
Lillis family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. Mary will be missed..
Melissa Mullen & Steve Mizikowski
April 29, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Lillis family. May God's love and comfort surround and engulf you at this time. I've known Mary for countless years, she was a great friend, and outstanding teacher and a caring person. Have comfort in knowing that hers was a life well lived.
Mike Merry
April 29, 2015
To the entire Lillis family;
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
You know, I knew her first, as my teacher at Wilson. I was, of course her favorite all time student! But then perhaps she made us all feel that way...
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
With warmest regards;
Jennifer Holland
April 29, 2015
Mary and family...you are in my prayers. May happy memories surround you and give you a sense of peace during this time.
Michelle Tome
April 29, 2015
Marcia and family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
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